By Kebba AF Touray
An effort to reduce the D2 million deposit required for presidential candidates has failed in the National Assembly. On Monday, 29th September 2025, the Assembly rejected a motion brought forward by the Member for Serrekunda, Hon. Musa Cham, to reconsider clauses 43 and 14 of the Elections Bill 2025.
Hon. Cham, invoking Order 74, proposed amending clause 43 of the Elections Bill, which mandates the payment of a D2 million deposit for presidential candidates, and clause 14, which addresses the registration of Gambians residing abroad. “I rise to move that the august assembly reconsider amending clauses 43 and 14 of the Elections Bill 2025,” he said. The motion was seconded by the Member for Banjul North, Hon. Muhammed L. Bah.
After debate, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, put the matter to a vote following a call for division. Of the 36 members who voted, 21 opposed the motion, 14 supported it, and one abstained. As a result, the status quo was maintained, leaving clause 43 unchanged and requiring prospective presidential candidates to pay the full D2 million deposit.
The outcome confirms the Assembly’s stance on maintaining financial thresholds for presidential candidacy at D2 Million.
